Supplement X

PPE SELECTION GUIDELINES AND QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

PURPOSE
This supplement has been developed to assist in the appropriate selection of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) for protection from those hazards determined from conducting a PPE Hazard
Assessment of a work area or process. The protective device should be selected to fit the job,
and the employee should become acquainted with the limitations of the device.
EYE PROTECTION
GENERAL
Suitable safety eyewear shall be provided and used where machinery, equipment, or operations
present the hazards of flying objects, impact, liquids, chemicals, injurious energies (laser, glare,
radiation, etc.), intense heat/cold, or a combination of these hazards. Care should be taken to
recognize the possibility of multiple and simultaneous exposure to a variety of hazards. Certain
operations require face protection in addition to eye protection and unless specifically designed
for such uses, face shields are not to be worn in lieu of safety eyewear. The selection, use, and
maintenance of safety eyewear shall be in accordance with ANSI Z87.1-2003 Occupational and
Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, or equivalent.
It is essential that eye and face protectors be kept clean. They shall be cleaned and inspected
daily. Pitted or scratched lenses or face shields reduce vision and seriously reduce protection.
Accordingly, lenses and face shields shall be replaced when they are pitted or scratched to such a
degree that vision is obscured.

Safety Glasses
Safety glasses shall meet the impact requirements of ANSI Z87.1 or equivalent. Lenses and
frames shall be marked with the manufacturer's symbol to indicate compliance with ANSI
Z87.1. The use of approved lenses in unapproved frames is not acceptable. Tinted lenses in
safety glasses for minimizing solar glare are permissible only when used outdoors during
daylight hours. Prescription safety glasses can be worn by personnel whose vision requires
the use of corrective lenses.

Side Shields
Side shields are required on safety glasses worn in eye-hazard areas and operations, unless it
has been specifically determined for a particular operation that it is not possible for injurious
objects or energies to enter the wearer's eyes from the side or that the reduced peripheral
vision would pose a greater hazard to the employee. Side shields shall not be easily
detachable from the frames; snap-on or slip-on types of side shields are not acceptable unless
secure.
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Goggles
Goggles or eyecups shall be worn to protect against dust particles, liquids, splashes, mists,
spray, and injurious radiation. They shall be designed to protect the eye sockets and the
facial area around the eyes, thus protecting the wearer from side exposure. They can be
worn over corrective eye glasses if they do not disturb the adjustment of the glasses, or
corrective lenses can be incorporated into the goggle by mounting behind the protective
lens.

Laser Protection
Eye protection for laser operations must be in compliance with ANSI Z136.1-2007 Safe Use
of Lasers, or equivalent. For details on laser eye protection see the Duke Policy on Laser
Safety at http://www.safety.duke.edu/RadSafety/laser_policy.pdf.

Welding Shades
Shades in the form of spectacles, goggles, hand-held shields, or helmets are necessary when
you are welding, brazing or torch-cutting, or when such work is being performed near you.
Hazard assessment for the operation will determine the appropriate shade value. Filter
lenses must meet the requirements for shade designations in OSHA 1910.133(a) (5) and be
identified as such. Additional information on welding shades, their selection, and additional
PPE can be found at http://www.safety.duke.edu/OHS/PPE.htm.

HEAD, NECK, AND FACE PROTECTION

GENERAL
Head, neck and face protection must be worn when employees are exposed to working
environments where they might be struck on the head, strike their head against an overhead
hazard, entangle their hair or be exposed to flying debris (e.g., chips, particles, sand, molten
metal, etc.), or to chemical splashing, high voltage, electric shock or a combination of these
hazards.

Face Shields
Face shields shall be worn to protect the face and front of the neck from flying particles and
sprays or splashes of hazardous liquids.

Hard Hats
Hard hats shall be constructed, selected, used, and maintained in accordance with
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 Industrial Head Protection. Be certain that hard hats provided are
not bump caps, make the selection based on the ANSI descriptions of Protective Helmets,
and ensure that the helmet is marked with certification (manufacturers name, the legend
ANSI Z89.1 and the class designation of G, E, or C).

Class G (General) Helmets are designed to decrease the impact of falling objects and to
lessen the risk of being exposed to low-voltage electrical conductors. Helmets are tested at
2200 volts of electrical charge in order to be certified.
Class E (Electrical) Helmets are also intended to decrease the impact of falling objects, but
these helmets reduce the risk of coming into contact with High-voltage electrical conductors.
They are tested at 20,000 volts of electrical charge in order to receive certification.
Class C (Conductive) Helmets also reduce the force of impact of falling objects, but do not
protect against electrical contact.

Hair Protection
Long hair, including long facial hair, which is susceptible to becoming entangled in moving
machinery or drawn into such machinery by the generation of static electricity, shall be
controlled by caps or hair nets.

Welding Helmets
Welding helmets are designed to protect the welder from particles of hot metal and their eyes
from arc radiation. Hand held shields are available for those standing nearby and observing.
When selecting a helmet, be sure the helmet packaging and product advertises either ANSI
Z87.1-2003 or Z87+.

FOOT PROTECTION
GENERAL
Unless otherwise noted, the term shoe as used herein includes boots. Protective footwear should
be worn in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling, rolling, or puncture from
objects; slips, trips and falls from slippery or wet surfaces; and exposure to electrical or chemical
hazards. Protective footwear (other than slip-resistant footwear and overshoes) must comply
with ASTM F2413-05 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Foot
Protection. Protective footwear must first meet the requirements for impact and compression
resistance before being ASTM certified. Requirements for additional protection can then be met
and would fall under the following categories:
PROTECTIVE FOOTWEAR

Metatarsal (Mt)
The purpose of metatarsal footwear is to prevent or reduce the severity of injury to the
metatarsal and toe areas. Metatarsal protection should be an integral and permanent part of
the footwear that covers the instep. Add-on devices are acceptable as long as they provide
protection equivalent to ASTM performance standards.

Dielectric Insulation (DI)

DI footwear provides additional insulation if accidental contact is made with energized
electrical conductors, apparatus or circuits and must meet the minimum insulation
performance requirements of ASTM F1117-03 (2008) Standard Specification for Dielectric
Footwear and tested with the ASTM F1116-03 (2008) Standard Test Method for
Determining Dielectric Strength of Dielectric Footwear.

Electrical Shock Resistant (EH)

Footwear designed to reduce the hazards due to the contact of the sole with electrically
energized parts and to provide secondary electrical hazard protection on substantially
insulated surfaces. The soles of electrical hazard footwear are non-conductive and must be
capable of withstanding the application of 14,000 volts at 60 hertz for one minute with no
current flow or leakage current in excess of 3.0 milliamperes, under dry conditions.

Conductive Footwear (Cd)

Footwear designed to discharge static electricity from your body through your shoes into
grounded floors. Floors must be grounded so that a charge can be dissipated. Conductive
footwear is designed and manufactured to minimize static electricity and to reduce the
possibility of ignition of volatile chemicals, explosives, or explosive dusts. The electrical
resistance must range between zero and 500,000 ohms.
Warning Conductive footwear may NOT be worn near open electrical circuits or highly
charged objects of any kind that require Electrical Hazard (NON-conductive) footwear.

Static Dissipative (SD)

This type of footwear is designed to reduce the accumulation of excess static electricity by
conducting body charge to ground, while maintaining a high enough level of electrical
resistance to reduce the possibility of electric shock. The footwear must have electrical
resistance between 106 ohms and 108 ohms.

Chain Saw Cut Resistant (CS)

This footwear is designed to protect the foot area between the toe and lower leg when
operating a chain saw and must meet the ASTM F1818-04 Standard Specification for Foot
Protection for Chainsaw Users.

Puncture Resistant (PR)

A puncture resistant device located in the shoe sole reduces the possibility of puncture
wounds to the soles of the feet by objects that could penetrate the outsoles of the footwear.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY FOOTWEAR

Slip Resistant
Shoes with tread composition and tread pattern designed to give better traction than standard
shoes on slippery surfaces shall be worn to prevent slips and falls in wet environments.

Overshoes
Rubber or neoprene overshoes are designed to protect against splashing liquids or chemicals.

HAND PROTECTION
GENERAL
Suitable hand and lower arm protection shall be provided and used where machinery, equipment
or operations present the hazards of mechanical injury, extreme heat or cold exposure, chemical
exposure, blood and body fluids (BBF), hazardous drugs, radiation, electrical shock, vibration, or
a combination of these hazards. Online glove selection guides can be accessed at:
http://www.safety.duke.edu/OHS/PPE.htm
GLOVES

Thermal Gloves
A variety of gloves are designed to protect workers hands and arms from the extremes of
hot or cold when working with autoclaves, cryogenics, kitchen equipment, food, welding,
or laboratory equipment. Gloves should be chosen based on the extreme of temperatures
expected along with conditions of wet, dry, and abrasive.

Disposable Gloves
Disposable gloves are used most commonly in food processing or assembly, laboratories,
industrial, and healthcare applications. They are available in latex rubber, nitrile,
polyethylene, PVC, neoprene, vinyl and other synthetic materials. Latex is being
replaced by other suitable alternatives because of the latex allergy concern.

Chemotherapy Gloves
These are disposable gloves that are designed for use when handling chemotherapy drugs
or any hazardous drug that is being compounded, prepared or administered. They should
be tested according to the ASTM D6978-05 Standard Practice for Assessment of
Resistance of Medical Gloves to Permeation by Chemotherapy Drugs (after 2005) or
F739-07 Standard Test Method for Permeation of Liquids and Gases through Protective
Clothing Materials under Conditions of Continuous Contact (before 2005), and approved
by the FDA for use with chemotherapy drugs.

Cut-Resistant Gloves
Kevlar or Dyneema fiber knit gloves, gloves containing metal fibers, or metal mesh
gloves are used when workers are at risk of being cut by equipment or the products they
are handling.

Chemical Resistant Gloves

These gloves can be disposable or re-useable and generally do not protect against all
chemical hazards. The appropriate glove material must be selected that provides
resistance to the specific chemical hazard that will be encountered, such as acids,
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alcohols, oils, corrosives, and solvents. See the selection guides found on the OESO
website: http://www.safety.duke.edu/OHS/PPE.htm

Electrical Gloves
Rubber and leather insulating gloves, mittens, and sleeves are designed to protect the
worker from electrical hazards such as fire ignition, electric shock, arc flash and blast.
The proper gloves shall be chosen in accordance with the NFPA 70E (2009) Standard for
Electrical Safety in the Workplace and tested to appropriate voltage meeting ASTM
D120-09 Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves.

Anti-Vibration Gloves
Padded gloves are used to prevent hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) that often
occurs from repeat exposure to vibration. Highly specialized tasks such as operating
chain saws, grinders, nail guns, sanders and any machinery that produces high levels of
vibration would put employees at risk for HAVS.

General Purpose Gloves

These gloves are available in jersey, canvas or string knits, leather, or as leather palm
work gloves. They protect against abrasion and can be unlined or lined for cold weather.

Finger Cots
Made of latex, nitrile rubber, vinyl, cotton, or leather, these individual finger covers can
be used in the healthcare industry, food processing and when handling rough, sharp, and
hot surfaces.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
GENERAL
Protective clothing includes coveralls, aprons, sleeves, leggings, and garments that cover the
body. These items are intended to protect the wearer against heat, cold, moisture, toxic
chemicals, acids, corrosives, electricity, biological and physical hazards such as sharp objects,
flying objects, excessive dust, grease, etc.
When specific items of personal attire are judged to be hazardous to an operation or work
environment, their use shall be prohibited. Some examples: The wearing of long sleeves,
jewelry, and loose-fitting or dangling clothing shall not be permitted around rotating machinery;
silk, wool, rayon, nylon, and other synthetic fiber garments shall not be worn in any operation in
which the generation of static electricity would create a hazard.
Suitable attire, including appropriate shoes, normally worn by prudent individuals to avoid
unnecessary risk, is the responsibility of the employee and is considered a condition of
employment.

SPECIAL CLOTHING
Where employees are required to wear special protective clothing that necessitates changing
from street clothes, a designated location for changing clothes and suitable clothing lockers will
be provided.
Special protective clothing worn on the job shall not be worn or taken away from the premises
by employees, since this may expose other persons to unnecessary risk caused by contaminated
clothing. The Department will be responsible for cleaning and drying special clothing
contaminated with or exposed to hazardous materials or for proper disposal in the event
contaminated clothing needs to be discarded.
Special clothing for biological hazards is covered under Section VI of the Duke University
Safety Manual.

Paperlike Fiber
Disposable suits made of this material provide protection against dusts.

Tyvek
Garments of differing formulations provide a variety of protection ranging from nonhazardous dusts to dry particulate hazards such as lead dust, mold, asbestos, and other
aerosol hazards.

Tychem
These garments protect against a wide range of chemical hazards ranging from light to
moderate liquid splash to higher levels of protection for hazmat applications.

Kevlar
Kevlar is a synthetic fiber which is highly resistant to cuts and punctures.

Treated Wool and Cotton

Protective clothing made from treated wool and cotton adapts well to changing workplace
temperatures and is comfortable as well as fire resistant. Treated cotton and wool clothing
protects against dust, abrasions, and rough and irritating surfaces.

Duck
Duck is a closely woven cotton fabric which protects against cuts and bruises during the
handling of heavy, sharp, or rough materials.

Leather
Leather gloves protect against dry heat, flame, cuts, and abrasion.

Rubber, Rubberized Fabrics, Neoprene and Plastics

Protective clothing made from these materials protects against certain acids and other
chemicals.
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Clothing for protection from electrical hazards shall conform to the NFPA 70E Table 130.7(C)
(8), Standards on Protective Equipment.

Protera
Protera garments meet the NFPA 70E Category 2 requirements for protection from
electric arc hazards.

Nomex
This is a flame resistant synthetic fiber that will not melt, drip or support combustion and
is combined with high break strength, tear resistance and abrasion resistance properties.

HIGH-VISIBILITY CLOTHING
When employees are performing work in the road or in the right-of-way, they shall wear
high-visibility clothing that conforms to ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 High-Visibility Safety
Apparel and Headwear, Class 2 requirements at a minimum.
Fall Protection
Personnel may be exposed to fall hazards when performing work on a surface with an
unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet or more above a lower level, or 10 feet or more on
scaffolds. Fall protection may also be required when using vehicle man lifts, elevated platforms,
tree trimming, performing work on poles, roofs, or fixed ladders. Workers must use fall
protection where required. A personal fall arrest system consists of a full-body harness, lanyard,
lifeline and snaphooks, and must be in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926, Subpart M, Fall
Protection.
HEARING PROTECTION
Hearing protection is required for employees working in areas where they are exposed to noise at
or above 85 dBA, or while working with equipment that generates noise at or above 85 dBA.
For details see the Duke Policy on Occupational Noise Exposure at
http://www.safety.duke.edu/SafetyManuals/University/II_3Noise.pdf and
http://www.safety.duke.edu/OHS/HearingConservation.htm.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Employees may be exposed to respiratory hazards that require the use of respirators, such as
during emergency response, handling animals, working with hazardous chemicals, disturbing
asbestos, welding, painting, etc. Employees needing respiratory protection will be placed on the
Respiratory Protection Program prior to respirator use. For details on protection against
inhalation hazards see the Duke Policy on Respiratory Protection at
http://www.safety.duke.edu/SafetyManuals/University/II_2RespiratoryProtection.pdf and the
OHS Respiratory Protection page at http://www.safety.duke.edu/OHS/RespProtection.htm.
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PPE Examples
Source of Hazard
Chemical and Splashing
Liquid
(e.g., acid and chemical
handling, hazardous drug
preparation and administration,
biological substances, food
processing, painting, cleaning
products, pesticide and herbicide
use, etc.)

High Heat (dry)

(e.g., Burns from hot surfaces,
sparks, Bunsen burners, welding,
kitchen equipment, furnace
operations, etc.)

High Heat (liquid)

(e.g., Burns from hot liquids,
molten metal, steam, food
preparation, etc.)

Affected Body
Part
Eyes

Recommended PPE

Goggles, safety glasses with side

shields (not for chemical
protection)
Head, Neck, Face Chem-resistant Tyvek hood, face
shield, chemical/liquid resistant
hoods/caps, fluid-resistant
surgical masks or surgical
mask/face shield combinations
(generally not for chemical
protection)
Feet and Toes
Slip-resistant shoes,
chemical/liquid resistant
overshoes
Hands
Chosen based on specific hazard:
Nitrile, butyl rubber, neoprene,
Silver Shield, or other chemical
resistant gloves or mittens,
chemotherapy gloves
Body: torso,
Chemical/liquid resistant clothing
arms, legs
Eyes

Goggles, safety glasses with side

shields, insulated helmets
Head, Neck, Face Face shield, flame
retardant/insulated helmet, cap or
hood
Feet and Toes
Leather shoes, foundry shoes
Hands
Hand protection made from
insulated or flame resistant
materials such as Nomex, Kevlar,
leather, terry, cotton, etc.
Body: torso,
Clothing made from flame
arms, legs
resistant or insulated material
such as Nomex or leather
Eyes
Goggles, Safety glasses w/ side
shields
Head, Neck, Face Face shields, protective
hoods/helmets
Feet and Toes
Leather shoes, foundry shoes
Hands
Insulated gloves with added
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Body: torso,
arms, legs
Cryogens/Extreme Cold
(e.g., cryo-burns, frostbite,
permanent eye damage from
liquid nitrogen, CO 2 , noninsulated equipment, etc.)

Eyes
Head, Neck, Face
Feet and Toes
Hands
Body: torso,
arms, legs

Dust/Flying Debris
(e.g., Chipping, grinding,
sanding, chiseling,
woodworking, grounds keeping,
coal handling, buffing, general
dusty conditions, etc.)

Eyes

Impact/Compression
(e.g., Crushing or penetration
from machinery, rotating
equipment, materials handling,
carpentry, construction, etc.)

Eyes
Head, Neck, Face
Feet and Toes
Hands

Head, Neck, Face

Feet and Toes
Hands
Body: torso,
arms, legs

Body: torso,
arms, legs
Eyes

UV/IR Radiation
(e.g., Optical radiation from
welding, cutting, torch brazing or
soldering, glare, laser, working
outdoors, etc.)
Head, Neck, Face
Feet and Toes
Hands
Body: torso,
arms, legs
Eyes
Electrical Hazards
(e.g., Open circuits, energized
Head, Neck, Face
electrical equipment or utilities,
Feet and Toes
electrical arcs, etc.)
Hands

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liquid resistant properties when

necessary
Clothing made from treated wool
or cotton, leather or specialty
fabrics such as Nomex
Goggles
Face shield
Appropriate safety shoes
Cryo-gloves
Lab coat, long pants, aprons,
insulated cotton or synthetic
fabrics
Goggles, safety glasses w/ side
protection
Face shield, hard hat, helmet,
hood
Safety shoes if appropriate
Appropriate protective gloves
Protective clothing made from
synthetic or natural fabrics such
as Kevlar or treated cotton/wool,
or cotton duck.
Safety glasses w/ side shields
Class G, E, or C helmets
Safety toes and metatarsal guards
Leather, Kevlar or other specialty
material
Leather, Kevlar or cotton duck
clothing
Spectacles, welding face shield,
goggles, or helmets with
appropriate shaded or special
purpose lenses.
Same as above
Closed-toe shoes
Sunscreen
Sunscreen; clothing with SPF
rating
Safety glasses
Hard hat, Class E
Electrical hazard footwear
Rubber gloves and insulating
sleeves, Class 00-4 based on max.
voltage exposure

Body: torso,
arms, legs
Puncture/Cuts/Abrasions
(e.g., Sharp edges from tools and
machines, food preparation,
surgical equipment, syringes,
etc.)

Slippery/Wet Surfaces
(e.g., Oil, water, soaps, wax,
chemicals, food handling areas,
etc.)
Fall Hazards
(e.g., Unprotected elevated
working surfaces)
Noise
(e.g., Mechanical rooms,
machining, grinding, sanding,
cage washing, dish washing,
pneumatic equip., grounds
equipment, generators, chillers,
motors, saws, jackhammers, etc.)
Respiratory
(e.g., Emergency response,
hazardous chemicals, powders,
mists, vapors, smoke or gases,
painting, welding, cutting,
brazing, disturbing asbestos,
lead, silica, or other particulate
hazards, working with animals,
entering fume hood plenums,
grounds equipment, etc.)

Garments made from Protera

synthetic material, flame
retardant clothing
Eyes
Safety glasses w/ side shields
Head, Neck, Face Face shield
Feet and Toes
Safety toed and puncture resistant
soles
Hands
Material depends on specific
hazard and severity, but can
include leather, rubber, cotton,
Kevlar, metal mesh, etc.
Body: torso,
Clothing made from Kevlar,
arms, legs
treated wool or cotton, duck or
leather.
Feet and Toes
Slip resistant safety shoes

Body

Personal fall arrest system

Head, Neck, Face Ear plugs, ear muffs, or canal

caps

Respiratory

Appropriate respirator can be a

filtering facepiece (such as an N95), PAPR, half-mask airpurifying, full-face air-purifying,
or supplied air (including SCBA)
depending on the hazard; must be
approved by OESO

Visit http://www.safety.duke.edu/OHS/PPE.htm for additional information and links to PPE

selection guides and safety guidelines.

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References
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29 (OSHA)
1910.132, Personal Protective Equipment
1910.135, Occupational Head Protection
1910.137, Electrical Protective Devices
1910.145, Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags
1910.1030, Bloodborne Pathogens
1910.1200, Hazard Communication
1926, Subpart E, Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment
ASTM F2413-05 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Foot Protection
ASTM D6978-05 Standard Practice for Assessment of Resistance of Medical Gloves to
Permeation by Chemotherapy Drugs
ASTM F739-07 Standard Test Method for Permeation of Liquids and Gases through Protective
Clothing Materials under Conditions of Continuous Contact
ASTM D120-09 Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves
ASTM F1117-03 (2008) Standard Specification for Dielectric Footwear
ASTM F1116-03 (2008) Standard Test Method for Determining Dielectric Strength of Dielectric
Footwear
ASTM F1818-04 Standard Specification for Foot Protection for Chain Saw Users
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1-2003 Occupational and Educational
Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices
American National Standards Institute (ANSI/ISEA) Z89.1-2009 Industrial Head Protection
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136.1-2007 Safe Use of Lasers
American National Standards Institute (ANSI/ISEA) Z107-2004 High-Visibility Safety Apparel
and Headwear
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National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E (2009), Standard for Electrical Safety in the
Workplace

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